Chapter 4
1203 Words
“Lilian”
“Lillian, Lillian”
The name continued to reverberate throughout Reuben's mind..”why is she here? What's actually going on ..first Vee, now Lillian. I told Ben , all this fuss about dating , meetups…it was going to be disaster”
“ Hello Reuben” Lilian greeted as she stepped into the room.
“I can see that you guys are in the middle of something, I hoped I didn't come at the wrong time, I could leave if that's okay” she continued, sensing the tension heating up the entire house.
“Wow, wow, wow” vee cut in as she clapped.
“So you are not only a fool, but also a perverted one,” Vee said .
“So you go around, inviting ladies to your home, to do whatever you like with them.how am I sure that you are a kidnapper or a serial killer because this is how they act, looking ignorant and stupid whereas they are fully aware of what they are doing!”
“ Get out of my house, you have had your fill, I won't repeat myself again..you came here and you have insulted me and my mother. I take it this is a retaliation of what had happened earlier at the restaurant…now we are even …leave…now!” Reuben said.
“You don't get to command me you loser” Vee shouted, apparently she was not done with the insults.
“I want everyone to know the kind of monster that you truly are”
“ Hello dear, if I may speak, I think you are mistaking him for someone else” Lillian calmly intervened.
“I don't know under what circumstances you guys met…I admit he is kinda brass but he is none of those things you called him” Lillian insisted.There was something different in the way she spoke this time.
“I think it will be best if the matter can be solved amicably,” Lilian continued.
“You must also be a fool or something to support this man here!” Vee cut in, violently.
“Control yourself girl, you are speaking to Lilian Wally, the heir to the Wally enterprise”- secretary Kim cut in.
“Oh my God,what have I done?” Vee thought. Last week, she submitted an application to get a job in the Wally petrochemical company which became functional some months ago and she had already been invited for an interview. All that flooded her mind was how she might have ruined her golden opportunity.
At this time,there was a pause to the flow of energy in the house. Reuben’s mum appeared somewhat tense during this exchange but she was loving the drama. Reuben had not had an encounter with girls for quite a long while but all of sudden today, the narrative has changed.
“Please forgive my rude behavior Miss Wally, I didn't mean to insult you.I am truly sorry. And to you Reuben, I apologize as well…forgive my insolence” Vee pleaded.
“ I think it's – it's best ..I take my leave now” Vee stuttered and then she stormed out of the house.
The air seemed to remain stagnant as an embarrassing awkward silence seemed to take over. Reuben marveled at how the mention of a name could make Vee fold just like that. Even in his soldiering days, he had never Instilled such fear in anyone.
“I guess money truly rules the world”
“Hello Miss Lillian, uhm I apologize for that scene that earlier played, we weren't expecting you” Reuben's mom said, breaking the silence
“And by the way, you can call me Mrs Benita, I also made some ginseng soup. Would you like to join in?
She asked.
“I will be honored ,Mrs Benita,” Lillian replied.
Lillian walked up to the dining room while secretary Kim took her excuse. A playful smile appeared on Lilian's face while Reuben's curious eyes seemed to search all over her. His mind was back to the subject matter of Lillian's visitation. He remembered the brief scathing episode between them but he thought everything ended on a good note. Or perhaps he was wrong.
LThe ginseng soup was shortly served by Mrs Benita and the three of them ate in mutual silence. Again that awkward silence seems to creep up but Mrs Benita would have none of it. As soon as they were done with their meal, she began the inquiry.
“Miss Lillian, I hope you enjoyed your meal?” She asked, breaking the ice yet again.
“ Yes ma, I did..thank you…This ginseng soup is the best I have tasted so far”
“ I am glad you enjoyed it. How is the family business going ? And…pardon me but how did you and Reuben meet?” Mrs Benita continued the inquiry, no longer able to bear the curiosity.
“Thanks for asking..The family business is booming and yes.. that brings me to the reason why I came” Lillian answered.
“ As you know, I am the only heir to the Wally enterprise but my heritance comes with a catch. I have been given an ultimatum by my family to get married to finalize the transfer of assets or else I risk forfeiting it. I have no interest in marriage and I have met no one who measured up. However I met your son this morning at a restaurant and from our brief experience, and even his maturity in handling the woman I met here..I think he will make for a suitable match for me.” Lillian said
“ My son, an inlaw to the Wally's, how?, from the blue, this is wonderful but it doesn't make sense..it doesn't” Mrs Benita thought.
“ Oh well, wow that's quite a long time to take in, Reuben I think that's for you to decide” Mrs Benita said, almost gasping. But she noticed Reuben wasn't surprised.
“Yeah, it's such a wonderful proposal, but I think I will respectfully decline” Reuben said
“ Ohh wait….Reuben!” Mrs Benita softly yelled. Turning back to Lilian she continued.
“ My dear, you did drop a bombshell on us, I think you will need to give Reuben a bit of time to think about it..you know “
“ It's alright then, I await your response..it's getting late and I should take my leave now, goodbye Mrs Benita” Lillian said as she stood up to take her leave.
“Let me walk you back to the car then” Reuben suggested as he stood up.
“ Don't worry, I will be fine…take care “ Lillian replied as she made her way out of the house.
As soon as Lillian left,Mrs Benita approached Reuben.
“Reuben, I know this might be a little too much to take in but I think you should think it through. Regardless, I will stand by whatever decision you take”
“Alright ma, I think I should get some rest, today has really been a stressful day”
“ Okay, I really think so too..go get some rest “
“Goodnight ma”
“Goodnight son “
- Writer
